Steamed Chinese Dumplings (Shu Mai)

By á-58

Ingredients

• 2tablespoons soy sauce
• 1/2teaspoon unflavored powdered gelatin
• 1pound boneless country-style pork ribs , cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2pound shrimp , peeled, tails removed and halved lengthwise (see note)
• 1/4cup water chestnuts , chopped
• 4 dried shiitake mushroom caps (about 3/4 ounce), soaked in hot water 30 minutes, squeezed dry, and cut into 1/4-inch dice
• 2tablespoons cornstarch
• 2tablespoons minced fresh cilantro leaves
• 1tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 1tablespoon Chinese rice cooking wine (Shaoxing) or dry sherry
• 1tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2teaspoons sugar
• 2teaspoons grated ginger
• 1/2teaspoon table salt
• 1/2teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1(1 pound) package 5 1/2 inch square egg roll wrappers (see note)
• 1/4cup carrot , finely grated (optional)

Details

Servings 1
Adapted from cooksillustrated.com

Preparation

Step 1

Makes about 40 dumplings, serving 6 to 8 as an appetizer.

Published September 1, 2010.
From

recipe, we used our food processor to grind boneless country-style ribs in two batches: one chunky and one fine. Once combined in the steamed dumplings’ filling, the smaller pieces helped hold the larger bits together and added a pleasant textural contrast. We used a mixture of powdered gelatin and cornstarch to keep our shu mai’s filling moist and tender, and flavored it with a liberal dose of traditional steamed Chinese dumpling recipe ingredients. For wrappers, we used square egg roll skins, which we cut into rounds with a biscuit cutter. Finally, we garnished each dumpling’s center with finely grated carrot and served our shu mai with a quick dash of chili oil.

Do not trim the excess fat from the ribs; it contributes flavor and moistness. Use any size shrimp except popcorn shrimp; there’s no need to halve shrimp smaller than 26 to 30 per pound before processing. The dumplings may be frozen for up to 3 months; cook them straight from the freezer for about an extra 5 minutes. Read about our favorite steamer basket in related testing. To jury-rig one, follow the instructions in related How to Cook. For more options on wrappers, see related How to Cook. Serve shu mai with store-bought chili oil or make your own (see related recipe).

Combine soy sauce and gelatin in small bowl. Set aside to allow gelatin to bloom, about 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, place half of pork in food processor and pulse until coarsely ground into approximate 1/8-inch pieces, about ten 1-second pulses; transfer to large bowl. Add shrimp and remaining pork to food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped into approximate ¼-inch pieces, about five 1-second pulses. Transfer to bowl with more finely ground pork. Stir in soy sauce mixture, water chestnuts, mushrooms, cornstarch, cilantro, sesame oil, wine, vinegar, sugar, ginger, salt, and pepper.

Working with 6 rounds at a time, brush edges of each round lightly with water. Place heaping tablespoon of filling into center of each round. Following illustrations below, form dumplings, crimping wrapper around sides of filling and leaving top exposed. Transfer to parchment-lined baking sheet, cover with damp kitchen towel, and repeat with remaining wrappers and filling. Top center of each dumpling with pinch of grated carrot, if using.

Cut piece of parchment slightly smaller than diameter of steamer basket and place in basket. Poke about 20 small holes in parchment and lightly coat with nonstick cooking spray. Place batches of dumplings on parchment liner, making sure they are not touching. Set steamer over simmering water and cook, covered, until no longer pink, 8 to 10 minutes. Serve immediately with chili oil.

Brush wrapper edges lightly with water. Place heaping tablespoon of filling in center.

This flavor-boosting additive is key to the ultra-savory flavor in many Chinese dumplings.